Lake Roosevelt rising; nearing full pool

Lake Roosevelt water levels on June 14, 2013. (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation)

RIVERS — The level of Lake Roosevelt rose to an elevation of more than 1286 feet today and lake levels are expected to continue slowly rising over the next week into the 1288-1289 feet range by June 22. Full pool is 1290 feet.

High levels at Lake Roosevelt reduce the beach area available for camping and picnicking. Levels drop in August for hydropower needs and providing flows for Columbia River salmon. This exposes more beaches making August prime time for campers on the 145-mile-long lake.

Dworshak Reservoir is at full pool. In this case, it provides the best access of the year to the mini-camps the Corps of Engineers has built along the rervoir near Orofino, Idaho.